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Physics · Electrostatic Potential
हिन्दीGiven below are two statements: Statement I: The potential energy of an electric dipole of moment \( \mathbf{p} \) in an external uniform electric field \( \mathbf{E} \) is minimum when \( \mathbf{p} \) is aligned antiparallel to \( \mathbf{E} \). Statement II: The torque experienced by an electric dipole is zero when it is oriented either parallel or antiparallel to the field. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Correct answer · Option 4
Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
Explanation
Potential energy U = -p.E is minimum (-pE) when parallel (theta=0), not antiparallel. Torque tau = p x E = pE sin theta is zero for both theta=0 and theta=pi.
